Gastroenterologist Yevgeny Belousov has warned Russians that overeating watermelons and melons can trigger digestive issues including severe abdominal bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Belousov, a candidate of medical sciences at the AO Medicina clinic in Moscow, told online news outlet Lenta.ru that seasonal fruits are generally harmless for healthy people when consumed in moderation, with health problems stemming primarily from excessive portions rather than the fruits themselves.
A large portion of watermelon or melon can lead to rumbling, abdominal cramps, a sensation of fermentation, and loose stools. Watermelon contains high amounts of water and fructose, while melon is rich in fast-digesting carbohydrates, both of which accelerate bowel movement and increase liquid volume in the digestive tract.
For individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, eating these fruits can significantly aggravate gas formation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Belousov clarified that eating half a fruit at once can cause a negative reaction even in a healthy digestive system, though the discomfort is caused by liquid volume and sugars rather than stomach fermentation.
Recommended Portion Sizes
Belousov explained that there is no universal medical eating norm, but recommended that a healthy adult should consume no more than 300 to 500 grams of fruit pulp per serving. For children, he advised a smaller portion appropriate for their age, such as 100 to 200 grams.
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focused on the digestive system and its disorders, ranging from stomach ailments to intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Belousov practices at AO Medicina, also known as the Academician Roitberg Clinic, a major private medical institution located in Moscow. The title Candidate of Medical Sciences is an advanced academic degree in Russia, equivalent to a doctoral degree in medical research.
The advice follows previous guidance from doctor Anna Kosenkova regarding the consumption of watermelon seeds. Kosenkova noted that eating watermelon seeds is entirely harmless for a healthy person.
